2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs 2022 Kia Forte

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was a versatile offering, available in coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon body styles, a variety unmatched by most competitors. The E-Class sedans, designated as E350, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the E450 variants boasted a turbo 3.0-litre inline-six with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology. In Canada, the E-Class came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive, enhancing its appeal in diverse driving conditions. The AMG-tuned E-Class models, particularly the AMG E53 Cabriolet, were designed for driving enthusiasts, offering a luxurious experience with high-end materials and a striking design. Despite its high price tag, the E53 Cabriolet was a statement of luxury and performance, with its matte-blue paint and AMG styling making it a head-turner.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Forte offered six trim levels, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. The Forte GT Limited, evaluated for this review, came with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Forte's design updates for 2022 included a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, with the GT Limited featuring sporty red-accent detailing and larger wheels. Inside, the Forte GT Limited offered a sporty look with its analog gauges and flat-bottom steering wheel, while the use of simulated leather and polished metal accents added a touch of sophistication. Despite some performance limitations, the Forte GT Limited was a practical and stylish choice for those seeking a fun yet affordable compact car.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 models were equipped with a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine featuring EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This setup ensured robust throttle response across a wide rev range, with an acceleration time of 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h. The AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided excellent power delivery, while the AMG Dynamic Select driving modes allowed drivers to tailor the car's performance to their liking. The E53 Cabriolet's AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system further enhanced its dynamic capabilities, making it a versatile vehicle for both leisurely drives and spirited mountain runs.

The 2022 Kia Forte GT Limited, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Forte GT Limited offered Smart, Normal, and Sport driving modes to adjust its performance characteristics. The sport-tuned suspension and independent rear design provided a balance of ride comfort and handling prowess, although the brakes struggled during demanding driving conditions. While the Forte GT Limited was fun to drive, it lacked the outright performance of more dedicated sports sedans, and its engine noise and fuel economy fell short of expectations.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible, offering comfortable seating for adults in both the front and rear. The Aircap system reduced cabin turbulence with the top down, while heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and the Airscarf neck-warming system ensured comfort in cooler weather. The E-Class Cabriolet's trunk offered 360 litres of cargo space with the top up, though this was significantly reduced when the top was down. The interior featured luxurious touches like multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance fragrance system, making long drives a pleasure.

The Kia Forte GT Limited provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power sunroof. The rear seat offered ample headroom and legroom, accommodating both children and adults comfortably. The Forte's trunk was notably large for a compact car, with 433 litres of cargo space and the ability to fold down the rear seats for additional capacity. The interior design was practical, with thoughtful features like a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the advanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with two 12.3-inch screens providing high-resolution displays. The system offered multiple interaction methods, including touchscreen, voice assistant, and steering wheel controls, and included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an augmented reality navigation overlay. The Burmester surround-sound audio system added to the luxurious experience, though the digital assistant could be inadvertently activated by wind noise in the convertible.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered new technology features, with higher trims including a rear-seat USB port and remote engine starting. The Forte GT-Line and GT Limited featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with SiriusXM, voice recognition, and Kia Connect services. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the voice recognition capabilities were inconsistent, and the system required a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT Limited also included an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, enhancing the in-car audio experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class came with standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The E-Class Cabriolet also included pop-up rollbars for rollover protection and the Pre Safe system to prepare occupants for a collision. Additional safety features were available in the Driver Assistance Package, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and more. The package was praised for its effectiveness, particularly the adaptive cruise control and Active Steering Assist.

The 2022 Kia Forte offered a range of safety features, with most trims including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. The Forte received high marks from the IIHS for crashworthiness, though the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating due to concerns about rear passenger safety in side impacts.